Characterizing the transmission dynamics of Trypanosoma cruzi in Triatoma sanguisuga collected from dog kennels in southern Texas.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan Trypanosoma cruzi, remains a significant public health issue in South America, with increasing concern over its potential transmission in the USA. Triatoma sanguisuga, a triatomine vector, is found in Southern states of the USA, including Texas, raising questions about the local transmission dynamics of T. cruzi. This study aims to characterize Trypanosoma cruzi infection in Triatoma sanguisuga collected from dog kennels in Bulverde and Spring Branch, Texas, with a focus on parasite prevalence and load, genotypic diversity, and blood-feeding sources.

Methods

A total of 48 T. sanguisuga insects were collected from kennels in Bulverde (N = 37) and Spring Branch (N = 11). DNA extraction was followed by quantitative polymerase c

SUBMITTER: Hernandez C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12261653 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature